Whilst all poultry production systems require dedicated farm management and well defined nutritional programmes, potentially the most difficult challenge is managing the modern broiler breeder. The much referred to Broiler Breeder Paradox looms largeover all management aspects of these birds. This arises as a result of highly successful genetic programmes producing a broiler that has a high voluntary feed intake and is extremely efficient at converting nutrients consumed into muscle mass. These positive traits of the meat bird are at odds with the desired traits for a breeding bird, where it is critical to avoid excessive consumption of feed and weight gain if maximum production of eggs and chicks are to be achieved.
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